Snorkeling in Carlisle Bay: Turtles and Shipwreck

Swim with sea turtles, then explore a shipwreck in the same morning

Snorkel for 80 minutes in Carlisle Bay off Barbados, departing from Bridgetown with a live English-speaking guide. Spend roughly 25 minutes at a turtle-feeding area where you swim alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat, then dive to explore one of the bay's six historic shipwrecks. Snorkel equipment, a complimentary drink and access to washrooms, outdoor showers and a waterslide are included.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment.
• complimentary drink.
• 80-minute cruise with live English-speaking guide.
• access to washrooms and outdoor showers.
• use of waterslide.
• glass-bottom viewing area.
• pickup from Bridgetown port for cruise ship passengers.

Times

• Every day 08:45 10:00

Last departure this season: 30 Sep 2027

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 50

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Book up to 2d before

Ages Adult (13 to 88 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Beautiful (Barbados) Tours and Excursions Ltd

Prices and times updated today

Traveler reviews

4.33 ★★★★★ Very good 82 verified traveler reviews 65% rated it 5 stars

5 ★ 53

4 ★ 15

3 ★ 6

2 ★ 4

1 ★ 4

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

The boat leaves Bridgetown and heads into Carlisle Bay, a crescent-shaped bay on Barbados' southwest coast known for calm, clear water and dense marine life. The bay holds six historic shipwrecks, and you'll snorkel at one of them: a rare chance to explore a wreck without needing advanced certification. Between the wreck and the turtle zone, you'll see colorful tropical fish, seahorses, rays and octopus moving through the water.

The structure is simple: roughly 25 minutes at the turtle-feeding area, then roughly 25 minutes at the shipwreck, with the boat crew managing the timing and the transitions. A glass-bottom section lets anyone who wants to stay dry still see what's below. The crew is trained to work with children and will help you with equipment and entry into the water. If motion sickness is a concern, the operator recommends taking precautions before departure and letting the guide know.

Sea turtle sightings are common but not guaranteed. You may see several or just one, and on rare days none at all, since these are wild animals. The complimentary drink comes on board, and you have access to washrooms, outdoor showers and a waterslide to rinse off after snorkeling. If you're booked on a cruise ship, pickup happens inside the port. The 10:00 am and 11:15 am departures leave you 45 minutes to two hours in Carlisle Bay before your ship's all-aboard time.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like in Carlisle Bay for snorkeling?

Carlisle Bay is known for calm, crystal-clear water and thriving marine life. You'll encounter colorful tropical fish, seahorses, rays, octopus and sea turtles, with six historic shipwrecks creating distinct underwater environments to explore.

How much time do you actually spend snorkeling at each stop?

You get roughly 25 minutes at the turtle-feeding area and roughly 25 minutes at the shipwreck, with the boat crew managing the transitions between sites.

Are sea turtle sightings guaranteed on this snorkel?

Turtles are commonly seen in Carlisle Bay, but sightings vary day to day. You may see several turtles or just one, and on very rare occasions none at all, since they are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel the whole time?

A glass-bottom area on the boat lets you view marine life and the shipwreck without entering the water, so you can still see what's below the surface.

Is this snorkel suitable for non-swimmers?

No, this activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. You must be comfortable in the water and have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.